Before considering the type of base you need for your shed, it’s always advisable to figure out the benefits of the most popular bases first. Take a wise decision so that your selected base can outlast the shed for years. You might also erect the sheds without a firm base. But it will be too weak to last long.
Different types of shed bases are available in the market. However, the selection of a base should depend on how you intend to use the shed, how much time you’ll be spending there or the type of stuff you are planning to store in your shed.
The large sheds will definitely require a strong concrete foundation. But if the shed is primarily used for storing the garden equipment, quick and easy options such as plastic shed base, are also available.
Plastic Shed Base
Isn’t it a great idea to use recycled plastic for supporting the garden sheds?
This one is relatively a new option in the market for creating durable small to medium sized sheds. Plastic has become an essential part of our daily life as it is being used in several applications including civil engineering as well as road construction. Now you can even use it to form durable eco shed bases. As the shed is built upon the grid-work, the rodents will find it difficult to enter your shed. Unlike most of the plastics, these recycled plastic bases are UV stabilized which won’t get brittle under the sun over time. It’s advisable to purchase a plastic shed base kit from a reputed company rather than making a base from your own scratch so that you can get all the required components depending on the size of your shed.
Pros:
- Since they are made out of recycled plastic, the grids will last a very long time.
- Plastic will not hold the moisture like a concrete base
- Reduces the splashes of rain, so it won’t get wet in rain
- Plastic base grids allow the bottom of your shed to have adequate ventilation
- Relatively inexpensive than others
- Can be moved if you need
- Easy to install
Cons:
If it’s not installed properly, it might allow wetness into the structure.
Concrete base
only if you are planning to set up a large garden building, a concrete shed base is strongly recommended. It provides ample support to the garden structure eliminating the risk of replacing it every year. Though the task of building a concrete base for your shed is quite labor intensive, it is just a fun weekend DIY project for you. Some of pros and cons of a concrete base are listed below to help you choose the suitable one.
Pros:
- Permanent
- Firm
- Strong
- Durable
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Permanent (it can be daunting if you try to remove the concrete from the land, in case you decide to remove it in future)
- Pretty much costlier than other shed bases
- Will be uneven if not done properly
- Will crack easily if it’s not done professionally
- Requires a lot of time to set before building it
Paving Slab
Concrete is not the only base material you can try for your garden shed. Paving stone base can be a good choice if you are looking for smaller garden sheds. But choosing an uneven ground for the paving slab will give way to an unsteady slab. Paving slabs form a semi-permanent structure which is ideal for those who want to move their house in near future. Use thicker slabs to avoid cracks.
Pros:
- Quick and easy installation
- Easy to maintain
- You can move it easily
Cons:
- It’s not suitable for the larger or heavy weight structures
- No drainage system
- Problems of water pooling
Timber Bearer Shed Base
This is a quick and inexpensive way to build a secure base for your shed. With the pressure treated timber bearers you can easily create a strong foundation. Pressure treated wood can withstand damp and last for many years. But the method of timber bearer shed base is applicable only when you have a level area to construct the shed.
From these wooden bearers, you can build the most lightweight base for a garden building. If you are staying at a rented accommodation and creating permanent structure is prohibited, this type of base is ideal for you. Those who are unable to lift the weighty slabs can choose this type of shed base, as it’s easy to move a timber bearer base to a different place, if needed. When you are building it up on a bumpy or rough ground, provide some extra support to the base with paving stones.
Pros:
- Easy to move
- Recyclable
- Strong
- Durable
- Affordable
- Very lightweight
Cons:
- Can’t be used for larger buildings
- Regular maintenance is required
- Rot easily
Note:
It will be a bad idea to place the timber shed directly onto the ground. Timber can rot quickly as moisture will be permeated up through the timber. Don’t worry; it won’t happen at once but with time it might collapse from the base.
Decking Block Shade Base
Concrete decking blocks are suitable for sloping grounds. You can use floor support timbers to create a stable platform for your shed.
How large the Base should be
When you are building a base for your shed, it should be the same size of the floor of your shed. At times, people prefer creating a larger base for the sheds to enjoy an easy access to the building. A larger base also helps in keeping the grass off your shed walls. But it might damp the building by allowing the splashes of rain on the extended part of the base. It is generally not required to apply for permission before building a shed in your garden unless you are living in a conservation area or your garden shed is larger than regular size.
